Half Dome

Overview

Half Dome is the park’s headline sufferfest—in the best way. Expect a full-day push (often 10–12 hours) covering 14–16 miles and roughly 4,800 feet of gain from the Valley. The finale is famous: a 400‑foot climb up two steel hand cables to the broad summit. When the rock is dry and you move deliberately, it’s thrilling and doable; when it’s wet or stormy, it becomes dangerous. Plan like a mountaineer and you’ll love it.

Permits and Season

When the cables are up (typically from around late May to early October, dates vary by conditions), a permit is required seven days a week to pass the subdome checkpoint. The daily quota beyond the base of the subdome is 300 hikers (about 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers). Day-hike permits are issued by lottery: a preseason lottery accepts applications March 1–31, and a daily lottery opens two days before your hike (midnight–4 p.m. PT) with results that evening. If you’re backpacking (e.g., camping in Little Yosemite Valley), request Half Dome as part of your wilderness permit instead of the day‑hike lottery. Fees: a non‑refundable application fee and an additional per‑person fee if awarded; permits are checked against ID and are not transferable.

Route: What You’ll See

Most hikers start at Happy Isles, take the Mist Trail past Vernal and Nevada Falls to Little Yosemite Valley, then climb to Subdome and the cables. Subdome’s rock stairs are steep; from there the cables carry you to the top. Expect congestion on summer weekends, especially on the cables where uphill and downhill traffic share space. The summit is a broad granite terrace with far‑ranging views; the much‑photographed “visor” is near the rim.

Facilities, Water, and Parking

• Parking: There’s no parking at Happy Isles. Use the Yosemite Valley trailhead parking lot just beyond Curry Village, then ride the free shuttle or walk to the trailhead.
• Restrooms: Flush toilets at the Vernal Fall Footbridge; composting toilets near Emerald Pool, near the top of Nevada Fall, and in Little Yosemite Valley. None beyond these or on the summit—pack out used TP.
• Water: Treated water is available at the Vernal Fall Footbridge in summer. Elsewhere up to Little Yosemite Valley you can draw from the Merced River but you must treat or filter. There is no water on Subdome, the cables, or the summit. Plan on at least 4 liters per person for a summit day.

Safety Essentials

Start at or before sunrise and set a hard turnaround time. Weather changes fast: the summit is windier and 15–20°F cooler than the Valley. Thunderstorms are a serious hazard—lightning on or near the summit is no joke—and nearly all fatal falls on the cables have happened when the rock was wet. Bring layers, sturdy footwear with great traction, a headlamp (plus extra batteries), enough food and water, and grippy gloves for the cables. Don’t leave trash or gloves at the base of the cables.

Wildlife will raid unattended packs: ravens and rodents are notorious. If you stash a pack near the cables, secure all scented items in a bear‑resistant canister; in camp, use the provided food storage per regulations.

Camping Notes

There’s no camping between the Valley and Little Yosemite Valley (LYV). LYV is the first legal camping area and has food lockers and communal fire rings, but no potable water—treat from the river. Camping is not allowed on the summit.

Best Time to Visit

• Season: Aim for late May–September when the cables are typically up; shoulder months can be colder and stormier.
• Days and timing: Weekdays see fewer crowds. Start pre‑dawn to beat heat, avoid afternoon storms, and move more freely on the cables.
• Photography: Clear mornings offer the best light and visibility before haze and convective clouds build.

Bottom Line

If you’re fit, prepared, and snag a permit, Half Dome lives up to the hype. It’s a bucket‑list ascent with serious effort and real exposure—treat it with respect and it’s unforgettable.